 ACTIVITIES |
 Updated 27 JUL 08 |
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| A Rafting Experience | Expedition to St Paul's Islands | ||
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Photos Courtesy of Patrick Camilleri & Albert Galea PS In the diary I’ve found the date of the trial with the raft at St. Paul’s Bay (the pictures with my family on it)… it was Sunday 1st Feb 1970. - Patrick
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A mighty test of endurance lay ahead. Patrick recalls sea-trials of the Expeditionary Raft taking place one Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Oswald and his Dad's Company, at the time, we had access to the wonderful and versatile Kee-Klamps. Most of our constructions, including the Scouts Den divisions materialised thanks to these sturdy tubes and accessories. Mr Camilleri was instrumental in the provision and operation of the marine-engine.
On Board: L to R: Patrick, Mrs Camilleri, Mr Camilleri, Mario, Frank, Nathalie Camilleri, Oswald. |
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The contraption floated all right.. More below ....... |
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Mr Camilleri, getting the motor started for a comprehensive test. Patrick asks: was the equipment being taken to St. Paul's island where the Ventures were holding their camp? .... I would imagine it was Easter 1969. The scouts held a camp in parallel at Fort Camp- bell. We used semaphore to keep in contact with the Ventures on St. Paul's island.......Who needed mobile phones!! Pat & Joe corroborated the correctness of the date as being Feb 1970 |
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Fully laden, the raft crosses St Paul's Bay to the Islands of St Paul. Notice the sparse building at Sta Paul's, opposite. Any more information about this raft experience is more than welcome. Joe Comments as follows: The rafting expedition was held in 1970. I went to Etna in 1969, but my right leg was in plaster from hip to heel in 1970, so all I could do was accompany the rafters to St. Paul's Islands, land, claim the island in the name of the SMC Venture Scouts and sail back, leaving Oswald and the other master mariners to carve a settlement and tame the indigenous populations of wild rabbit and gremxul. |
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The following 4 photos were contributed by Albert Galea, seen standing in the middle on the raft. The rest of the crew look like Peter Dimech handling the oar and Frank wearing the life jacket. Manuel seems to be giving directions from ashore. Is that Manuel Calleja passing instructions from ashore, anyone recognise him? The raft looks fully laden with camping gear, supplies and crew. Luckily the weather conditions were perfect. |
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Tents all rigged and ready for the day and coming night on the Island of St Paul. Oswald and Albert seen here. |
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